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Rothwell collects his prize from Perkins

Aldi was the big winner at this year's FreshAwards, adding five prizes to its trophy cabinet.

Vitacress and its employees also landed two awards at last night (5 June)'s event, sponsored by Florette and Prophet, includingDr Steve Rothwell of Vitacress winning the lifetime achievement award for his 'pioneering and innovative work to develop new varieties and production techniques for baby leaf salads, changing the face of the UK salad market.”

As well as winning fresh produce business of the year, Aldi also picked up gongs for multiple retailer of the year, multiple floral retailer of the year, marketing campaign of the year, and best place to work.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of award organiser Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), said: “All the winners and finalists deserve recognition for their achievements.'

Other winners on the night were:

- Brian Moralee, of Vitacress, manager of the year, for his 'passion in pioneering UK organic tomato production.”

- Luke Retchless, of Fesa, young person of the year, for his 'enthusiastic leadership in establishing and managing a successful ripening suite.”

- Nationwide Produce, foodservice supplier of the year, for a 'progressive family business giving added value to the supply chain.”

- Pacific Produce, wholesale supplier of the year, for an 'award-winning wholesale business with strong commitment to quality, brand and packaging innovation.”

- QV Foods, supermarket supplier of the year, for 'continual growth through innovation and a unique understanding of the market place.”

- Zest Flowers, wholesale floral supplier of the year, for a 'unique range of wild British flowers, helping customers to stand out from the crowd.”

- Zyon UK, multiple floral supplier of the year, for 'impressive sales growth through strong performance and innovative retail offers.”

- M&S Simply Food, convenience retailer of the year, for a 'quality range of products, with knowledgeable staff providing superb customer service.”

- The Fruit Market, independent retailer of the year, for a 'flourishing high street business with a commitment to traditional service.”

- Blue Skies, CSR excellence, for its 'inspirational commitment to ethnical and sustainable business practices.”

- Delifresh, innovation of the year, for 'promoting great-tasting UK tomatoes, grown in the winter thanks to LED technology.”

The FPC said around 400 people attended the evening which was hosted by Sue Perkins, comedian and TV presenter, at the Intercontinental Park Lane.